12:01 AM: I am fast asleep. Dreaming of NYPD Detective Mike Quinn…
5:00 AM: Wake up to inexplicable ringing. Alarm? No. Madame is calling—the octogenarian owner of the coffeehouse I manage. “Did I wake you, dear?” she asks. I mumble into pillow: “No, I was re-calibrating the espresso machine.” She tells me about an “idea” for our shop. Something about feng shui. I drift back asleep.
6:08 AM: Awaken to Java and Frothy sitting on face. Must have turned off alarm when Madame called. I shower fast, throw on jeans and a Henley; feed my furry girls. No time for me to eat!
6:25 AM: Unlock shop for pastry delivery. First managerial decision of day—take “quality control” sample (or three) of warm Doughnut Muffins. Set aside a few for Quinn to enjoy on his AM break.
7:30 AM: Morning crush! Two baristas arrive to help: NYU grad student Esther (half-asleep) and former farm girl Nancy (wide awake). I save us from going bankrupt on incorrect change by putting sleepy Esther on pastry fulfillment; Nancy on register.
10:18 AM: Matt Allegro calls from Indonesia. Matt is the shop’s globetrotting coffee hunter. He’s also Madame’s son, my ex-husband, and the father of our daughter Joy. “Stuck in Jakarta!” He shouts over wind. “Trying to get these amazing coffee cherries on a boat before the typhoon hits. I was wondering—” Call cuts off. My attempts to reach him go to voicemail. I stress-eat a Chocolate-Stuffed Peanut Butter Cookie, with my double espresso.
10:45 AM: Cheered by the sight of Detective Mike Quinn at my coffee bar. I make him my special vanilla bean latte. Take first break of day.
11:18 AM: Quinn’s police radio crackles—young heiress found in Chumley’s famous courtyard, “overdosed” on drugs; peacock feathers in one hand; Village Blend cup in other. “That’s odd,” I say. “Even for Greenwich Village.” Quinn says he’ll tell me more later. Invites me to dinner at my favorite bistro. Leaves one of his Doughnut Muffins uneaten. (Can’t let it go to waste!)
12:30 PM: Lunch rush. My assistant manager Tucker calls with apologies. He’s stuck at an Off-Broadway audition. I skip lunch to cover for him.
1:00 PM: Dante arrives for barista shift, paint stains on jeans. Rolls up sleeves to show off tattoos. Co-eds rush counter.
2:40 PM: Daughter Joy, chef in training, texts from Paris with Pots de Crème recipe. She’s “copied” me on self-portrait Instagram to street-wise detective Emmanuel Franco. I find Joy’s photo far too flirty and her décolletage way too low! Matt would flip if he knew Joy was sending anything to “that mook flatfoot,” let alone this! Fortunately she didn’t copy her father, who I pray is still alive. More stress-snacking…
3:15 PM: Matt calls again. (Thank goodness!) “Clare!” (Wind in background now sounds like freight train.) “The typhoon beat me to the harbor. Flooding and high winds, but the cherries are safe. Listen, this is important—” Call cuts off. Oh for the love of…
3:30 PM: Matt’s mother phones from high tea at the St. Regis, asks if I’ve acted on her suggestion. Must finesse this because I don’t remember her suggestion! She sounds happy. Feel it best not to mention her only son is riding out a typhoon.
3:55 PM: Detective Franco appears with ginormous box of Korean pub-style Supernatural Sticky Wings. Taking pity on lunch-less me, he shares. Two bites in, he asks about daughter’s next trip home. (After that photo, I’m not surprised.)
5:05 PM: Barista Gardner Evans starts his shift with the best playlist of day, including his jazz ensemble Four on the Floor.
5:30 PM: Another call from Matt. “Storm’s over. Let’s talk coffee roasts…”
6:30 PM: Madame drops in before dinner and theater with gallery owner boyfriend. She’s changed her mind about the feng shui. “Otto points out that long, silk curtains on our open French doors could blow into our fireplace and burn down the shop. Let’s forget about those curtains…” (Easy because I didn’t remember in the first place.) Time for another espresso—and giant cookie.
7:45 PM: Upstairs lounge opens for Esther’s Slam Poetry session.
7:50 PM: Mike Quinn arrives looking troubled. Current case a puzzler. After years apprehending career criminals, my narcotics expert boyfriend is used to going for usual suspects. But not all crimes are usual and “out of the box” is my specialty—and not just the pastry box.
I suggest we talk over dinner. Unfortunately, I add: “I haven’t sat down for a meal all day, but I’m stuffed!” Mike takes my hand. “Then have a glass of wine, and afterwards maybe we can share…dessert?” I nod emphatically and we head off.
11:59 PM: I am fast asleep. Dreaming of Mike…
Join Clare Cosi for a double-shot of danger in her latest case, A BREW TO A KILL, now a “must-read mystery” of the month at B&N; a Mystery Guild Featured Alternate Selection; an audiobook from AudioGo (BBC America); and a Top-7 Bookscan hardcover mystery bestseller.
When a mysterious driver runs down an innocent friend and associate, Clare embarks on a New York odyssey, tracking down clues through the city’s diverse boroughs to stop a ruthless killer whose dark plan has only just begun. A BREW TO A KILL includes more than 20 recipes. Get a sneak peek at many of them by clicking here.
And don’t miss HOLIDAY BUZZ, Cleo’s “holiday special” paperback release between her hardcovers. When two hard-working young bakers are murdered during glittering December parties in New York, Clare won’t rest until justice is served. Releasing December 4, 2012, HOLIDAY BUZZ features an array of holiday recipes, including cookies, desserts, main entrees, and festive drinks. A Mystery Guild Featured Alternate Selection.
Here is the official book trailer for the Coffeehouse Mystery series
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CmgZXq8Gqjs?rel=0&w=480&h=360]
** Thanks to the Cleo, I have one (1) signed 
copy of A BREW TO A KILL and an NYPD Latte Cup. Contest open to residents of the US only. Contest ends August 26. Leave a valid-email address with your comment. Book and cup will be shipped directly from the author. **
Meet the Authors
Cleo Coyle is a pseudonym for Alice Alfonsi, who writes in collaboration with her husband, Marc Cerasini. Like their 12 Coffeehouse Mystery novels, their 5 Haunted Bookshop novels (written under the name Alice Kimberly), are national bestselling works of amateur sleuth fiction for Penguin. When not haunting coffeehouses or hunting ghosts, Alice and Marc are New York Times bestselling media tie-in writers who have penned properties for Lucasfilm, NBC, Fox, Disney, Imagine, and MGM. Alice is a former journalist and children’s book author; Marc an author of military nonfiction and thrillers. They live and work in New York City. To find out more, visit their online coffeehouse at www.coffeehousemystery.com.
Friend Cleo Coyle on Facebook
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Sign up for the free Coffeehouse Mystery newsletter, which always includes recipes, by sending an e-mail that says “sign me up” to this address: CoffeehouseMystery(at)gmail(dot)com.
Books are available at retail and online booksellers.
Dru,
You are a lucky lady to have featured my favorite author and have this exclusive look into Clare Cosi’s day! I have read every book in both the Coffeehouse series and The Haunted Bookshop series and can say without reservation that they are the best written cozy mysteries out there! The characters are so fully formed they feel like family members, and I cannot wait to see what they are up to now in A Brew To A Kill. Cleo Coyle has the uncanny ability to write mysteries that are both filled with suspense, but also humorous and have a heart. She always keeps me guessing about who the killer is, which isn’t easy because I am pretty good at figuring these things out. I would be beyond thrilled to win this prize, a copy of A Brew To A Kill as well as an NYPD latte cup!
Thanks so much for featuring my favorite author and series. You always have the best reviews and the best books on your blog, and I look forward to seeing your posts in my inbox each day.
Maureen – A heartfelt thank you for you incredibly kind comment. I know how much books mean to you, which makes your words that much more poignant to us. We hope you’ll keep reading and keep in touch!
~ Cleo (aka Alice…for Alice and Marc)
http://www.CoffeehouseMystery.com
http://www.Facebook.com/CleoCoyle
http://www.Twitter.com/CleoCoyle
This is a fun series to read. Thank you for the chance to win the next book and a latte cup.
griperang at embarqmail dot com
Many thanks from Clare and her staff of baristas. Best of luck ~ Cleo
I can smell the coffee! This is a wonderful series and I’m glad to see another book is here to enjoy.
mary-fairchild@sbcglobal.net
Please do take a sip of my newest. And thank you for your warm words.
~ Cleo
I love both the Coffeehouse series and the Haunted Bookshop series. Thanks for the giveaway. Kuzlin(at)aol(dot)com
Thank you, Linda. All best from ~ Cleo
I just started this series several months ago and I’m looking forward to catching up.
Thank you for joining the fun. Read with joy ~ Cleo
Cleo’s coffeeshop mysteries was the first cozy mystery I’d read. Now I can’t get enough of her books and others as well. Her Alice Kimberly series The Haunted Bookshop series got my daughter interested in reading. She is truly a wonderful author. Thanks for giving us an up close and personal look into Clare’s day.
Sue, you have made my day! I’m a writer because another author helped me find the joys of reading. I am thrilled to have paid a small part in helping your daughter make that same discovery. Read with joy. All best to you and your daughter ~ Cleo
I have loved this series. Thanks.
blwilstead(at)aol(dot)com
Thank you for the wonderful compliment. Drop by the Blend again.
~ Cleo
Clare is one of my favorite cozy characters. Since I can’t function without coffee, this series is the perfect “match” for me!
jgbeads(at)gmail(dot)com
Good luck on your perfect match. And thank you for reading my series.
~ Cleo
This is such a delightfull series – a no-brainer to enter to win!
kpbarnett1941[at]aol.com
Thank you for coming, and for the nice words. Good luck. ~ Cleo
I love coffeeshops, can’t afford to go often so this is a wonderful way to visit her coffee shop and enjoy a cozy mystery written by a master.
CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com
You are so kind! Thank you for the wonderful sentiments, and I hope you’ll come back to the Village Blend often. It’s the place where coffee, crime–and yummy goodies–are always brewing.
~ Cleo
You are a gifted writer! I am hopelessly hooked on your series. Please, please keep the stories going!
Thank you for the wonderful compliment. If you readers keep reading, we writers will keep on writing. ~ Cleo
I have a couple in the series and two of the Haunted Bookshop mysteries. I like coffee, too, and I love the mug. It reminds me of my Ghirardelli mug that’s so big it could be a soup bowl!
spookycat72(at)gmail(dot)com
Here at the Cleo Coyle household, we drink out of mugs big enough to be soup bowls. Thanks for coming, and best of luck. ~ Cleo
What a great giveaway! I have to admit, I’ve had a dream or two about Mike Quinn myself. Yes, I crush on fictional characters AND good coffee! whoopseedaisee at gmail dot com
I’m fine with your crush, but don’t let Clare know. ~ Cleo
Coffee,, books, and yummy treats! The best combo!!
dorthab@hotmail.com
You’ve just mentioned coffee and yummy treats. Break time! ~ Cleo
I anxioiusly await each new coffeeshop mystery by Cleo Coyle—Clare Cosi is just such a joy to read about.
suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com
Thanks for being a fan, and do enjoy A Brew to a Kill. All best ~ Cleo
Yes please, I’ll take a cup… and a book. I love Alice and Marc’s writing very much.
NoraAdrienne(at)gmail(dot)com
Thank you for your wonderful compliment, and good luck.
~ Cleo
Nora Adrienne – just want to add…shout-out to a home girl. 🙂
Yum….sticky wings! I love love love this series but it certainly does not help my diet efforts!
Sticky wings leave their mark on a girl’s hips, but it’s (almost) worth it. Thank you for your comment. ~ Cleo
Love the trailer. They add so much for me. I have several books and always on the lookout for more. Please put me in the draw for this one. Thanks. judydee22002@yahoo dot com
Glad you enjoyed the “coming attractions.” Thank you for coming, and best of luck. ~ Cleo
I really like this series. The characters are memorable and the plot is always good. I’ve gotten a bit behind but I know I’ve got some great reading ahead of me! And, what a nice giveaway!
jrobinson12 (at) austin. (dot) rr (dot) com
I hope you jump back into the series. Things are getting a little crazy at the Village Blend. Thank you for stopping by. ~ Cleo
Quite the busy day for our Clare. Still she seems to be keeping all the plates spinning as it were. The book sounds totally enjoyable and I love the latte cup. I must have it all. Please enter my name in the draw. Thanks!
carlscott(at)prodigy(dot)net(dot)mx
Clare keeps things spinning even if her head is spinning along with everything else! Thank you for coming, and best of luck. ~ Cleo
Each book gets better. I love reading all of her writing.thank for giving us all something to look forward to.
Dotvining@yahoo.om
Thank you for the wonderful compliment, and I hope you look forward to all of Clare’s misadventures. ~ Cleo
I Love Cleo’s Coffeehouse and Haunted Bookshop cosies ~ and I would love an autographed copy of the latest coffeehouse mystery! And I love the latte mug! Please enter my name in the draw ~ Thank you! stitchingfaery(at)windstream(dot)net
Thanks for reading both my mystery series. I couldn’t do it without you, my loyal readers. Good luck, and thank you for dropping in.
~ Cleo
would love to win! sarah2323 at gmail dot com
I hope you do well. All best. ~ Cleo
have enjoyed the whole series so much.
jcpautler at hotmail dot com
Glad you enjoy the misadventures of Clare. She’s always in hot water, pardon the pun. Thank you for reading. ~ Cleo
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this series!!!!!! This one sounds just GREAT!!!!!!!!
I hope you enjoy A Brew to a Kill as much as I enjoyed writing it. All best, ~ Cleo
Cleo is one of my most favorite authors and I love Clarie and the crew. Please enter me in as I can’t wait to read the latest! thank you!
Alicia
afarage(at)earthlink(dot)net
Thank you for the praise. Good luck, and enjoy Brew. ~ Cleo
Thank you for the chance to win the next book and a latte cup.
A good book and good coffee what else could you ask for? — Maybe a special cup to drink it in. 6186pep(at)msn(dot)com
Good luck, and thank you for dropping by. ~ Cleo
I have not read any of this series but would love to. Thanks for the giveaway!
lag110 at mchsi dot com
Thank you for coming. ~ Cleo
Nothing like a Great book and a Good cup of Coffee
I second the motion! All best, ~ Cleo
It’s me, Cleo, dropping by to say…
THANK YOU to everyone for leaving such kind comments! And a big thank you to Dru Ann for hosting Clare and company this week.
Marc and I have been enjoying putting this cast of characters through their paces for going on 9 years now, and there is no way we could have gotten this far without your kind support; so whether you’re a longtime reader or new to us, we’d like to thank you for that, too!
A BREW TO A KILL is the 11th book in our Coffeehouse series. Our 12th entry, HOLIDAY BUZZ, will be out in early December, and here’s a little secret. If you turn to the back of HOLIDAY BUZZ, you’ll see the approved title revealed for our next Coffeehouse Mystery, which we’re already hard at work writing.
Next year’s entry is an exciting one that presents Clare with quite a few challenges. The premise we’ve chosen also presents some challenges to us as writers, but that’s the way we like it. Evolving the characters and stories keeps us on our toes, and we hope it keeps things fresh and interesting for you, as well.
The comment-to-win giveaway will be open through the weekend, and I’ll be back again to read any new comments. Good luck to everyone and…
(To quote The Terminator…)
I’ll be back.
~ Cleo Coffeehouse Mystery.com
“Where coffee and crime are always brewing…”
Cleo Coyle on Twitter
I love the Coffeehouse Mysteries!!! Cleo puts all my favorites together: coffee, mysteries, dynamic characters, the spirit of the coffeehouse, and great recipes! If you haven’t tried her doughnut muffins, they are a MUST!!!! Thanks for the giveaway! My husband and I love unique coffee mugs, and a signed book is a real treat! Luck to all!
Wow, Heather! That’s quite an endorsement of my Doughnut Muffins, and I thank you for that. Remember, you’re always welcome at the Village Blend, where Clare and her baristas are waiting to serve–and entertain–you. . ~ Cleo
Love the trailer! Hadn’t seen it before! I hope, Clare, that while you are dreaming if Mike, he’s right there next to you most of the time.He’s a keeper. Thanks for sharing so many fun, fab recipes. Love your website.
So glad you loved the trailer. I’m not giving Steven Spielberg a run for his money, but I’m happy by the response. Thank you for stopping in.
~ Cleo
This is one of my favorite series! Love the mugs,How cool that would be for morning coffees. cricketgirl33@yahoo.com
Cool indeed. Good luck, and thank you for your compliment. ~ Cleo
If only you could write as fast as I can read, life would be complete. Love your mysteries, keep them coming!
Thank you for your kindness. Your thoughts mean much to Marc and I.
~ Cleo
Thanks Cleo and Clare for telling us about your 24 hours. I hope you don’t mind if I dream about Mike too.
Dru, I certainly don’t mind, but I can’t speak for Clare Cosi! ~ Cleo
Want to have a cup with Detective Mike! Love the cup & book. When’s the next one out? 🙂
More and more fans express their admiration (and more) for Clare’s favorite NYPD detective. Thanks for giving YOUR vote! All best,
~ Cleo
Thanks for sharing this very entertaining “day in the life of ” – LOL on all the snacking! That Mike sure is a keeper. Can’t wait to read the newest; this series is a keeper for me!
Another Mike fan heard from. Thank you so much for penning your thoughts, and for your kind words. ~ Cleo
What fun to read this peek into Clare’s life while drinking my morning cup of coffee. I’ve read every book in the series and, like the whole world, love each and every one. And I recently WON a hard cover copy of A BREW TO KILL from Qwillery! Can you imagine winning something you were planning to buy? Congrats on a successful series to you and your hubby, Claire. And keep ’em coming!
Adrienne in Minnesota 🙂
From NYC to Minnesota with love! Thank you so much for dropping in, and I hope you love A Brew to a Kill. ~ Cleo
I absolutely love these books! I am immediately taken to NYC, in my mind and time passes slowly…unlike NYC pace! I have all of the characters faces in my head and I can not wait until the next adventure.
Well, Cindy, you don’t have to visit NYC to visit the Village Blend. Thank you for reading. All best to you and yours. ~ Cleo
Thank you so much for this great post! The Coffeehouse mystery series (like several who commented before me) is my favorite cozy mystery series. I first saw the series at Borders and kept seeing them there. I didn’t really know anything about the series, but I decided to chance it. It was one of the best snap decisions I have ever made! I am still enjoying the series today and always buy Cleo’s books at a moments notice 🙂 Thanks for the opportunity to win the new book!
lindyf24(at)comcast(dot)net
Thank you for sharing your memory, and for stopping by. Keep reading–and eating–with joy. ~ Cleo
Love Cleo and her books! Thanks for the contest!! gborkowski@roadrunner.com
Thank you, and eat with joy. ~ Cleo
Ha, I’m so glad I had a snack right before I read this – else I would have been ready to eat half the kitchen! LOL Looking forward to the new mystery. 🙂
I’m sure the kitchen is mighty relieved! Thanks for stopping by.
~ Cleo
I absolutely cannot get enough of these books! I believe I especially love all of the wonderful recipes in the books and can’t wait to start the newest book. It will be even better if it is free. 🙂
Good luck and thank you for your wonderful thoughts. ~ Cleo
I love these books and hope that Claire has many more adventures to share!
I love cooking up mysteries for my baristas. Thank you for dropping in.
~ Cleo
Okay Cleo, I’m so hooked. It can’t be a dream. I love this. And what a wonderful idea.
Thank you for the compliment. All best and eat with joy. ~ Cleo
Eagerly awaiting the next installment in the coffee house mysteries! Can’t wait to see what the characters are up to next, and what recipes I will be drooling over as well! Thanks so much for dreaming up this series!
Hope I’ve “Brewed” up another winner for you. Thank you for coming. All best, ~ Cleo
Love the interview. This is always a fun series. Looking forward to the new release. Awesome giveaway! Fingers crossed 🙂
Scouts579(at)aol(dot)com
Good luck! ~ Cleo
My wife really enjoys this series. I haven’t read them yet, but will be shortly. I have them on pre-order from Amazon for my wife. kellerdwayne (at) hotmail (dot) com
Give these books a sip. I think you’ll luv them, too. Thank you for commenting. ~ Cleo
Love the series, it takes me home. I live in the Midwest now and get my East Coast fix through what I read.
Liz – Thank you for the nice compliment. It’s gratifying to hear that you read the series for a kind of *virtual* visit back to NYC. We hear that a lot from ex-pat New Yorkers all over the country (and even the world), and it makes us very happy and proud.
Although Marc and I were born and raised in Western PA, we both feel as though we were *actually* born New Yorkers, and coming here felt like home. We truly love the city, its history, and it’s people. 🙂 Cheers and thx for dropping by. Good luck on the contest, too! ~ Cleo
I just love this series, you never know what kind of trouble Clare is going to get into. I am also getting started on her other series Haunted Bookshop, I can’t wait!
Kelly – Nicely put! In fact…Marc and I like to approach each *new* Coffeehouse Mystery with exactly that goal… now what kind of trouble can we get Clare into with this entry… 🙂 I can tell you in the next book HOLIDAY BUZZ, she gets herself in *plenty* of it. But then that’s the fun of these book, isn’t it? Seeing how the heck she’ll get herself *out* of it again.
I’m so pleased you’ll be trying our HAUNTED BOOKSHOP MYSTERIES, too. The first title, The Ghost and Mrs. McClure, is now in its eleventh printing (could be more but I haven’t checked lately). And we’re under contract to write many more… Five in print for you to read and we hope you do and let us know what you think. Drop by our facebook page or Web site anytime and good luck in the drawing!
~ Cleo
http://www.coffeehousemystery.com
Would love to be spending these 24 hours doing the same things; my life is a bit quiet compared to life in NYC that is for sure. Would love to have a cup of coffee in this great cup. Will remain hopeful. Keep up the great writings. Love the books so much.
Thank you so much for those kind words, Cynthia. New York is a very exciting place–and often a little crazy, too. But all of that color, excitement, and yes even the craziness serves our Muse well. And I’ll make you a deal: We’ll keep up the writing, as long as you keep reading. Warmest wishes to you and good luck on the drawing! ~ Cleo
You skipped everything between 7:50 and midnight
Congrats on the newest!
Dave
Ha! Very observant of you, Dave. Of course, those are the hours Clare and her detective are, um, having private time, and… (deleted for cozy audience). I’m sure you understand. So great to see you here! I appreciate your dropping by. Thank you so much for the congrats. You’re the greatest. Good luck on winning the book and cup! ~ Cleo
I enjoyed the interview. This sounds like a great series to read and the latte cup is really cool too.
lmyost@roadrunner.com
Thanks, Lori. Good luck to you!
A Brew to Kill was fun to read. I loved the twists and the turns. My perkiness and curiosity were peaked while drinking coffee and reading the book. Anyone have a great recommendation for coffee that’s similar to the phenomenal coffee in the book?
Gail – thank you for the kind words. I’m happy to jump in and help. The coffee that Marc and I wrote about in A BREW TO A KILL is based on two real coffee offerings from a family farm in Brazil.
Although it is now out of season, we highly recommend the roaster, who imports some of the best coffees in the world. The name of the roaster is Ritual, and they are located in San Francisco. Below is their Web address. Note that they only sell roasted coffee in whole bean form. So if you’re roasting your own, you’re all set. If not, you’ll need to buy or borrow a grinder. Thx again for the nice words on A BREW TO A KILL. If you try Ritual, drop by my facebook page or Web site and let me know what you think. Drink with joy!
http://ritual.myshopify.com/collections/coffee
Woops, I meant if you are GRINDING your own coffee (not roasting). Ritual Coffee Roasters obviously roasts it for you, ha! They will send you coffee in whole bean form.
Love your books! The mysteries just keep getting better and better. Also love the recipes! Thanks for sharing those with your readers. Can’t wait til the next book comes out (December?)–April
Thanks, April – Next book is HOLIDAY BUZZ in December. Like Holiday Grind, Clare Cosi’s first holiday-themed mystery, HOLIDAY BUZZ takes place at the most magical time of year in NYC–early to mid-December. Marc and I picked up where A Brew to a Kill leaves off, so you’ll see how Clare is getting after the shock of Brew’s ending. Nice recipes in BUZZ, too, including Christmas cookies and holiday recipes. Thx for commenting and good luck on the drawing! ~ Cleo
Love, love, love this!!!!
Aw, thanks, Vanessa. Caffeinated kiss to you for dropping by. ~ Cleo
That was so much fun to read. Just a “normal” day-in-the-life-of story. I love Clare and am really looking forward to the next book!!
As you can see, Clare’s “normal” is our “frantic.” Thank you for coming and for your kind thoughts. ~ Cleo
Enjoyable reads…if Cleo/Alice wrote on milk cartons I would ignore my allergy and buy milk..[wonders…would more ‘missing’ be found if we posted on coffee cans?]
Thanks for your kind words. I think you are absolutely right about missing persons posted on coffee cans. Caffeinated searchers are so much more thorough! ~ Cleo
Hi, Cleo! I am still alive and just finished A Brew to a Kill on my Kindle. I know, I know, I swore I would never have a Kindle because I loved the smell and feel of books too much, but I have to confess I LOVE MY KINDLE!! AND your new book! As for Clare’s blog, she forgot to mention the cell phone call she got from Madame at 9:30pm that she never got around to answering because she was “sleeping” (snicker)~Nurse (practitioner) JudyMac.
JUDY MAC (aka Nurse Judy) – I am THRILLED to hear from you! I’m so pleased that you are… (1) alive and (2) enjoyed BREW, especially because of a certain plot line in there, you know what I mean. I don’t know if you’ll see this reply, but I hope you’ll stop by my online coffeehouse message board and say hey. I always enjoy your comments, esp. your 12 Days of Yuletide Java posts before Christmas. AND next year’s coffeehouse mystery is going to have a thank you in there to you because of a certain coffee blend discussion you and your nursing colleagues had some time ago. I wonder if you remember. I kept those notes and I’m still laughing. Stop by and we’ll have a coffee talk. 🙂
Cheers and love,
~ Cleo
http://www.CoffeehouseMystery.com
Just finished A Brew to a Kill. What a great story….Claire and Mike – what a special love you have for each other!! Keep the fires burning…long-distance relationships are hard but you two are soul mates:-)
Sometimes true love is an uphill battle, but one worth fighting for.
~ Cleo
Hi again…I wrote a comment on the 23rd and wished Claire and her hubby success. Now that tells you how real your characters are to me, Cleo, that I’d mistakenly put Claire’s name in instead of yours! I fully expect to meet Claire one of these days! Best to you…..
I hope you do meet Clare again. All you have to do is pick up the next book. And FYI, Clare is real to me, too. ~ Cleo
Really like the Coffehouse Mystery Series. I enjoy the story and like the recipes that you include at the end of the book.
I love that you love the recipes. Sometimes I think that’s my favorite part. Eat with joy. ~ Cleo
What a great give away. Your books stand on their own, but goodies are always nice. Being given snippets of Claire’s day was a great idea. I was exhausted just reading it. She does live an interesting life and definitely needs her coffee. Would love to be drinking out of a “special mug” Keep them coming.
You keep reading and I’ll keep writing. Clare’s busy life can get harrowing, but it has its rewards, too. And who doesn’t need coffee?
~ Cleo
I have to say that this is my all time favorite series. I recommend this to all of my friends. Very well written, and I look forward to your new release in December.
Thank you for those wonderful words. I hope you always read with joy.
~ Cleo
I haven’t actually read your new book yet but I am dying too. I love all of the coffeehouse series. I am also reading your Mystery Bookstore series. I can’t wait for next one in that series also.
Spooky how the ghost detective just keeps popping up. Pretty spry for a dead guy.
~ Cleo
I can’t wait to read your next holiday book and also to see how you present the blackout cake. I’ve loved the entire series so far. My grandparents lived in Brooklyn and my family on Long Island. Every other Sunday when my grandparents drove up, my sisters and I would rush out to their car to see what goodies they had brought from Ebingers. There was invariably a blackout cake, a favorite for all of us and one other treat, often a jelly roll or coffee cake. My mouth is watering just remembering. I’ve never had cakes again that tasted as good as Ebinger delights. Thanks for bringing this memory back. I can’t wait to read your recipe next week.
The blackout cake has stimulated a lot of interest–and appetites, too, I’ll bet. Thank you for sharing your memories. ~ Cleo
This is a great series – love to read them in the winter wtih a big pot of coffee!! Great characters and stories. Thanks for the contest – super duper!! : D
Many thanks for your kind words. Read with joy. ~ Cleo
I love reading the coffeehouse mysterys, fallowing along Clair cosi, all while I can just smell and taste every bit of coffee and every food treat talked about. My perfect book world.
Please come back to my world again. It’s a wonderful, welcoming place. All best, ~ Cleo
Love, this series! I am always looking forward to the next one…lol!
My joy is entertaining you. Thanks for stopping by.
~ Cleo
I can’t wait to read more of the series. I’ve read about 4 books or so. Keep up the fantastic writing Cleo!!! 😉
Read with joy, and thank you for those kind words.
~ Cleo
What a great post! Love your books & would love to win your contest!!! 😀
Thanks for following Clare on her 24 hour journey, and thank you so much for reading the Coffeehouse Mysteries.
~ Cleo
I love Cleo’s Coffee House Mystery serious. Am reading Murder by Mocha. Can not wait ro read A Brew to a Kill. Love feeling like I am in
NYC and the Coffee shop with Clare everytime I read this series. Each book is like catching up with friends you do not see all the time.
Thanks so much for your wonderful sentiments. It’s great to hear the characters are as real to you are they are to me. Enjoy Brew!
~ Cleo
Loving the new book!
Drop by again and tell me how you liked the ending. ~ Cleo
Looking forward to the next book and especially the holiday one. I read these aloud to my daughter (who is 21). It’s perfect bedtime reading!
Wow, you are your daughter’s audio book! Thanks for stopping by and for your kind words. ~ Cleo
I’ve just started reading the Coffeehouse mystery series, and really love them. Please enter me in the giveaway. Thanks
Good luck! And thank you for stopping by. ~ Cleo
love this series — anything that combines mysteries with coffee — ANYTHING with coffee! — is for me.
Thanks for stopping by. Yes, we coffee junkies have to stick together…Coffee….Coffeee…What was I saying? ~ Cleo
I love your books. I’ve been following you for a while, but I somehow missed that you have also written children’s books. I’m an elementary school librarian and now I’m a mission to find those books.
Thanks for always providing a good read. Can hardly wait to read A Brew to A Kill.
I’ve enjoyed writing for all ages, but I love my Coffeehouse books. Thank you for your thoughts. ~ Cleo
This is a wonderful series! What a fantastic giveaway!
Thanks! And good luck,
~ Cleo
With every description you write, with every emotion you carry, and with every mystery I can see, feel and imagine myself right there beside you. Waiting for your latest book to available at my library is just killing me. I have all your books so far on my kindle and they are a must have in hard copy (book form) as well. Great job! I am addicted to your books. Off to read your Bookshop series now.
Wow, you have inspired me with your heartfelt words. Thank you for your kindness. Enjoy the spooky adventures of Jack and Pen. All best,
~ Cleo
I love this series and tell everyone I can about them! Thanks for amazing giveaway =)
Thank you for your support, and your wonderful comment.
~ Cleo
Love this series…just finished A Brew to a Kill (in my opinion the best of the series)….can’t wait to read the next one!. Would love to drink my coffee in the NYPD cup.while reading a Coffeehouse Mystery of course!
So happy you liked Brew. I hope you love Holiday Buzz, too. Good luck on the drawing and thank you so much for the wonderful words.
~ Cleo
Love, LOVE this Author and this series. I can’t get enough!
You are too kind. Thank you for stopping by, and for reading my series, too.
~ Cleo
Once again, thanks Cleo and Clare for letting us see what a 24 hour day is for you.
Thanks again, Dru. Your “Day in the Life” features are great inspirations for authors, and I appreciated the chance to participate. I hope we can do it again when Holiday Buzz is published in Dec!
Why oh why must one of my absolute favorite series to read also be so fattening to read? 😉
Kate – Ha! Two replies to that – (1) Thank you kindly for rating my Coffeehouse books as among your faves, and (2) Clare’s mouthwatering descriptions of food are zero calories…so read away! 🙂
Love your books. I can just smell the coffee as you write about it. Usually drink more coffee when I read one of your books !!
Jackie – I’m grinning because I hear that a lot. Coffee consumption goes up for many of my readers when they’re enjoying a CM title. Then again, I’m always amused by my readers who say they absolutely hate coffee, yet adore my books. Not a problem, really, since Clare Cosi serves tea, steamers, and an amazing Belgian hot chocolate at her fictional Village Blend, too. 🙂
Thx for the kind note and I hope you continue to enjoy the books.
~ Cleo
http://www.CoffeehouseMystery.com
http://www.Facebook.com/CleoCoyle
http://www.Twitter.com/CleoCoyle
I need my coffee getaway.. Plz…
contest is closed.
Thanks for visiting my reading blog.
Congratulations to Nora Adrienne who won the autographed book and NYPD latte cup.
I want to win the signed book!!!!
Keri – the contest is closed, but I’ll be having more giveaways. Check my Web site for the next one ( http://www.CoffeehouseMystery.com ) and good luck to you!
~ Cleo
http://www.CoffeehouseMystery.com
I absolutely love reading your books and I LOVE this series, I am already looking for the next installment. Did I also forget to mention I can not go a day without at least two (always more) cups of coffee!
Shawn – You drink coffee like Marc and I do–all day long! But we’re in good company. Acclaimed director David Lynch, for one, who not only drinks coffee like crazy but puts coffee metaphors in his films and even sells his own brand. 🙂 Thx very much for the nice words on our books. I hope you’ll continue to read and enjoy them!
Cheers,
~ Cleo
http://www.CoffeehouseMystery.com
http://www.Facebook.com/CleoCoyle
(and reader can friend me on FB)